Segments From This Episode

• The Weekly Wrap

  “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal talks with Jordyn Holman of the New York Times and Catherine Rampell of the Washington Post about what the latest retail reports say about the economy, what the implications of the debt ceiling dance are, and more of this week’s economic news.

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• Has the drop in immigration contributed to inflation?

  by Sabri Ben-Achour

  

  Immigrants have accounted for a major share of labor force growth for years, increasing production, which keeps inflation lower, experts say.

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• The average U.S. renter now spends 30% of their income on rent, a new all-time high

  by Amy Scott

  

  When people have to spend more and more on rent, there’s not much left over for other essentials.

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• Lunar New Year usually meant factory slowdowns. The pandemic changed that.

  by Justin Ho

  

  Traditionally, workers in parts of Asia travel during the holiday to spend time with family. Here’s how COVID has changed that part of the supply chain.

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• Steadily (and quietly), more electric school buses are getting on the road

  by Carrie Jung

  

  The vehicles have struggled to gain traction, but school districts are being swayed by new funding options, as well as environmental and health concerns.

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